New residents for St Mary's site

Published by Emma Baylis for Contour Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, recent welcomed the first new residents to its £15m St Mary’s development close to Oldham town centre.

Six new families have moved into properties on Mackintosh Way the first street of homes to be built - and they represent the first new residents on the site for 15 years.

For one couple in particular, their new address is like coming ‘home’ as Bev Hannan and her partner Terence Jaffray actually lived in the former flats on the site which were demolished in 1997.

“When we left the old flats we moved into local authority housing close by and we have lived there for sixteen years,” said Bev.  “We really didn’t want to move out of the area and were delighted when our bid for a new home here was successful.”

The couple who share their home with Bev’s 15 year old daughter Shannon both agree they absolutely love their new house.

“It’s great that Contour Homes are regenerating this whole area,” said Terence. 

“This is a fabulous spot close to all local amenities and of course the town centre.  When we lived here all those years ago, we never imagined we would be back here living in this spacious, modern home.”

Contour Homes is developing 52 social rented homes and 41 shared ownership properties on the land which in partnership with Oldham Council.  St Mary’s will also include some of the most eco-friendly designs in the North West.

The Chowdhury family are also very happy with their new 3-bedroom house.  Mizanur Rahman, Wijida Begum and their young family Mohammed (4), Mobinee (1) and Zidan (2) say the house means they have more space for their family.

“We have a lot more room for the children,” said Mizanur, “and we know we will be very happy here.”

Bramall Construction is developing the site and it is anticipated that these first new residents will soon be joined by other families in spring time when the next new homes should be ready for occupation.

Chris and Joanne Bowers have moved to the area from Fitton Hill but are no strangers to St Mary’s as Chris was brought up in the area and his Mum lives close by.

“This is a nice place to raise a family,” said Joanne, “and our oldest daughter enjoys a lot more freedom than she did in our old place.”

The children including Aimee (11), Reece (6) and Remy (4) have already settled into their new house and Chris says all the local facilities nearby will make life a lot easier.  “It’s really handy for everything here,” he said.  “Aimee can now go swimming with her friends and we like having so many local facilities close by.

As well as developing the new properties, Contour Homes has also invested in a range of community activities which it hopes will continue to foster good relationships with the growing new community and the existing communities who live so close by.

Chris adds:  “We really love the house and we already know some of the neighbours – hopefully we will get to meet more over the coming months as everyone settles in.”